Child Protective Services (SISA) - Social Worker - Tiered Sign-On Bonus Up To $5,000

Wake County Social Services’ Child Welfare Division is seeking mission-driven, resilient, and highly skilled Social Workers for the Serious Injury Sexual Abuse Team. Our work is guided by three federally mandated goals: Safety – Protect children and youth from abuse, neglect, and harm Permanence – Ensure every child has a stable, permanent home Well-being – Support children’s educational, physical, and emotional health We achieve these goals by applying trauma-informed practice, critical thinking, and policy clarity, and by working collaboratively with caregivers, medical professionals, law enforcement, and the court system.

About the Opportunity As a Social Worker on the Serious Injury Sexual Abuse Team, you play a vital role in ensuring safety and justice for children and youth impacted by severe abuse or sexual assault. You will use advanced judgment, strong analytical skills, and calm, regulated decision-making to assess risk, respond to crises, and support families through highly sensitive and complex circumstances.

Success in this role requires balancing independence with teamwork, knowing when to seek supervisory consultation, and demonstrating confidence in the decisions you can make autonomously. Strong candidates remain composed under pressure, navigate trauma-sensitive conversations, and maintain professionalism in emotionally charged situations.

This position involves both field and office work, including collaboration with medical providers, forensic interviewers, law enforcement, and legal partners. What You’ll Do Conduct Specialized Assessments Evaluate allegations of serious injury, sexual abuse, or exploitation Gather collateral information from medical, forensic, and law enforcement sources Apply NC policy and trauma-informed practice to reach clear, evidence-based decisions Use structured critical thinking to determine safety threats, vulnerability, and protective capacities Decide when circumstances require supervisory consultation versus independent decision-making Support Strengthen Survivors and Families Provide services that help children remain safe at home whenever possible Build rapport with survivors and caregivers, hold difficult conversations with empathy, clarity, and professionalism Complete timely, behavior-based safety plans grounded in policy and trauma-informed care Facilitate ongoing monitoring of safety plans, caregiver progress, and risk reduction Ensure Child Safety Conduct regular home visits, including some evenings and weekends Assess the child’s environment using observation, interviewing, and risk-assessment tools Respond to crises with calm, regulated decision-making and clear communication Provide Specialized In-Home Services Monitor caregiver progress, service engagement, and child safety Adjust interventions or safety plans as needed based on ongoing assessment Partner with medical providers, forensic interviewers, schools, legal partners, and internal teams to support sustained risk reduction Act When Protective Services Are Needed Facilitate foster care placements when safety cannot be maintained in the home File petitions and initiate legal action when needed to protect children Prepare and deliver concise, factual, and legally defensible court testimony Document Clearly On Time Write accurate, neutral, policy-aligned documentation Translate complex observations into clear, objective, court-ready notes Complete documentation within seven days of each contact and maintain tracking systems Collaborate Communicate Work closely with supervisors, colleagues, multidisciplinary teams, and community partners Share timely updates to support coordinated casework Maintain compliance with mandated reporting, confidentiality, and professional/ethical standards What Makes a Strong Candidate Professional Strengths Excellent written and verbal communication skills Strong critical thinking and analytical judgment Ability to independently make sound decisions and recognize when supervisory guidance is required Skill in translating observations into objective, defensible documentation Reliability, organization, and effective time-management Interpersonal Clinical Skills Calm, regulated presence during crises and emotionally charged situations Capacity to build rapport with survivors and families while maintaining professional boundaries Cultural awareness and respect for diverse family systems Comfort navigating trauma-sensitive conversations, conflict, and complex dynamics Work Style Values Coachability and openness to feedback Initiative and ownership without needing micromanagement Flexibility with after-hours, court, or case-driven responsibilities Commitment to safety, ethical decision-making, and policy alignment Who Thrives in This Role Ideal candidates may have backgrounds in: Investigations, compliance, or structured policy environments Trauma-informed care, medical social work, or forensic interviewing Behavioral or mental health fields High-volume case management or coordination Legal/court writing, victim advocacy, or paralegal work Work Schedule Expectations This role requires flexibility to meet survivor and family needs and ensure child safety.

Schedules may include: Standard business hours Occasional evening or weekend home visits Court hearings and professional meetings Rotational or case-driven on-call responsibilities Emergency Service Worker Statement This position is designated as an Emergency Service Worker and may be required to report to work during emergencies or county-wide events that impact child safety.

Why Join Wake County Social Services? You’ll be part of a supportive, mission-focused team that values professionalism, growth, and collaboration. Wake County offers: Comprehensive training, coaching, and clinical supervision Opportunities for internal mobility and career development Competitive benefits and retirement A team culture rooted in communication, shared responsibility, and service to families Make an impact.

Bring your strengths. Protect what matters. If you are driven by purpose, capable under pressure, and committed to supporting children and families with integrity, we encourage you to apply.